Since 2020, financial struggles have caused around 100 private non-profit institutions to close or merge, impacting 200,000 students and $2 billion in endowments. Current market conditions suggest this trend will only accelerate. Strategic partnerships and mergers offer a solution for supporting affected students and protecting endowment resources. This panel will reveal crucial strategies for institutional leaders to prepare for the looming wave of higher education consolidations. From financial planning to navigating legal and cultural challenges, this discussion is a must for both struggling and stable institutions looking to turn consolidation into an opportunity rather than a threat.